London Underground
On 9th January the London Underground, the world’s first subterranean rail network, celebrated its 150th birthday. The once unthinkable concept of ‘trains in drains’ is now a celebrated engineering marvel and one of the capital’s most recognisable icons, stretching more than 250 miles and carrying over one billion passengers every year. But it’s not just the capital which lays claim to enviable engineering feats - up and down the country there’s a whole host of engineering achievements to marvel at. From the British Engineerium, which opens for sneak previews in Brighton this weekend, to the fastest car in the world on display in Coventry, VisitEngland takes a look at some of the best.

London Underground OldestThe world’s oldest underground network, London - Dating back to 1863, the London Underground is the world’s oldest underground network. On its first day of operation the Metropolitan line carried a total of 40,000 passengers from Paddington to Farringdon in the newly constructed tunnel via Edgware Road, Baker Street, Portland Road (now Great Portland Street), Gower Street (now Euston Square) and King’s Cross.

The British Engineerium, Brighton - Steeped in history, the Grade II listed British Engineerium asserts itself as an impressive landmark in Brighton and Hove. The collection of Victorian bricked buildings and imposing chimney demands historical and architectural recognition.

London Underground History
The steepest funicular railways in England, Hastings - The East and West hill funiculars are superb examples of Victorian engineering, built to attract tourists and transport people to the glorious hills of Hastings. The West cliff railway, close to the ruins of Hastings Castle, was opened in 1891 and built by the Hastings Lift Company.

The fastest car in the world, Coventry - ThrustSCC is the current Land Speed Record-holiday car and is on permanent display at the Coventry Transport Museum.

The oldest surviving turning shed in the world, Derby - The crumbling remains of Derby Roundhouse, the oldest surviving turning shed in the world, have been restored into a truly unique learning centre.

The largest bell foundry in the world, Leicestershire - John Taylor Bell Founders has been casting bells in Leicestershire since the 13th century. In 1881 John Taylors cast the largest bell in Britain, 'Great Paul', for St Paul's Cathedral in London.

The oldest windmill in Britain, Buckinghamshire - Dating back to 1627, Pitstone Windmill is believed to be the oldest windmill in the country. Pitstone ground flour for the village for almost three hundred years until a freak storm in the early 1900s left it badly damaged. It was later donated to the National Trust and restored.

The world’s first passenger train, Manchester - Attend steam school and learn how to ride and operate the world’s first passenger train at the Museum of Science and Industry.

The longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel in Britain, Huddersfield - The Standedge Tunnel, England’s longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel, passes under the Pennines between Diggel and Marsden. Built over 200 years ago, the tunnel is nearly three and a half miles long and took 16 years to build.

famtripper fun fact

Eiffel TowerThe total amount of steps in the Eiffel Tower is 1665. Indulge in an enormous amount of pastries and croissants, because you are able to walk to the second level of the tallest building in Paris. The third level, thankfully, is only accessible by elevator.